"The Praise of Folly" by Erasmus

"This world we live in now has become a complete absurdity," in which only fools may live happily. Thus it follows that the goddess Folly is the source of all happiness in the world; and as the nature of happiness is such, it is only natural that Folly should, like Morality, Wit, and Valor, have praises written in her name. At least, this is the sentiment with which Folly honors her name. The Praise of Folly is an exaltation of the contributions Folly made to the state of society as Erasmus saw it. Also a biting work which exposes the many habitual faults of mankind, the book does not fall short where others of it's kind fail; i.e.- it is universal in subject matter and in theme, allowing it to stand the test of time and of the common man.…